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Structurally similar features that are not homologous but have similar functions that evolved independently in distantly related organisms are known as ________ features.

A. Analogous
B. Homologous
C. Vestigial
D. Convergent.

User Tomarto
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The answer is A. Analogous features, which are structurally similar traits in different organisms that have evolved independently due to similar environmental pressures, not shared ancestry.

Step-by-step explanation:

Structurally similar features that are not homologous but have similar functions that evolved independently in distantly related organisms are known as analogous features. The correct answer to the question is A. Analogous.

Analogous structures have evolved due to similar environmental pressures rather than a shared ancestry. For example, the wings of insects and the wings of birds serve the same function of flight, but evolved independently. This is contrasted with homologous structures, which are derived from a common ancestor and may have similar embryonic origins even if their functions differ. Understanding whether structures are analogous or homologous is crucial for scientists to decipher the phylogeny of organisms.

User Cyberbobcat
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